CHANGES IN AUSTRIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23048, 27 May 1938, Page 10

CHANGES IN AUSTRIA

A changed interest in Austria is occasioned by to-day's news of HenHitler's plans for its administration. In recent times, especially since the Great War, the need for economic aid has vied with political "alarums and excursions" in attracting sympathetic attention. During the first period of this plight the population of Vienna could scarcely obtain the bare necessaries of life. The fact is typical of widespread distress, due to the collapse precipitated by the war. Then, in 1922, the League of Nations instituted measures of relief. Foreign capital, including much British, was readily supplied, on an international understanding that the sovereign independence of Austria would be maintained. Afterwards political upheaval, produced by Nazi intrigue, created trouble of a different order. Now Nazi rule steps in, without any possibility of challenge, and the scene is greatly altered. The provincial Governments are abolished, and for them leaders and organisers, directly responsible to the central Nazi control, are substituted. What is said of Vienna indicates that this old city, so famous for its devotion to arts and sciences, may lose much of its self-contained charm. Apparent also in the Nazi purpose is both a rigorous organising of industry on lines already familiar in Germany, and a restriction of the people's food as practised throughout the Reich. There may be economic gain through these changes, for Herr Hitler must do his utmost to see that Austria is not an irksome charge on its deliverers. But doubts are raised about the effect of this regimentation upon the notably artistic spirit of its people.